In fashion, one day you’re in and, well, you know the rest. But that holds true in home decor as well. The good news, though, is trends have a way of coming back, sometimes stronger than the first time around.

So if you’re thinking that 2018 home interior styles may be looking a lot like those of the 1970s and 1980s, well, that may be due to the resurgence of three classic looks: black and white for pieces and accessories, florals and velvet. Yes, velvet.

Not sure what the little girl in the photo is wearing, but this sofa features luxurious blue velvet. Glamour Nest paired it with fluffy and furry poufs to add a fun factor to the room. (Courtesy photo Mary Costa Photography)

One way to use the once outdated floral patterns is by way of beautiful wallpaper. Florals are popular again in this room from Glamour Nest. (Courtesy photo Mary Costa Photography)

Bohemian styling takes on the so-now trend of florals such as this colorful Hammonton duvet cover. (Courtesy photo Anthropologie)

Black and white look great alone but carry a bold punch when combined like in this Suren striped Mina sofa. The puppy just has great genes. (Courtesy photo Anthropologie)

This Adalet printed Mina chair from Anthropologie allows you to subtly add the black and white look to any room. (Courtesy photo Anthropologie)

Sometimes decorating is as easy as black and white. The trend works here with a Chelsea chair, black-and-white rug and even a black-and-white print. (Courtesy photo Anthropologie)

Black and white comes in and out of style but it’s back with a vengeance in everything from furniture to tiles. Here the colors work in the form of tiles to help make a bathroom pop. (Courtesy photo Mary Costa Photography)

Personal preference should always take precedence – after all, it’s your home – but designers Caitlin Murray of Los Angeles-based Black Lacquer Design and Jessica McClendon of Glamour Nest Design in Sherman Oaks shared their thoughts on how you can incorporate some, if not all, into your home.

Black and white

Black and white has been a decorating staple since before color was invented – just kidding – by providing a vintage look to everything from rugs to artwork. The 2018 twist is that the color combo resonates with a more elegant, modern vibe than in the past. Everyone from Anthropologie to CB2 to Hearth and Hand at Target from Joanna Gaines seems to love the classic pairing.

“I love to see the timeless, high-contrast black and white duo in conversation with punchy, cheerful colors. Black and white can bring a well-tailored, luxurious juxtaposition to a colorful room while also allowing the colors to really pop. I’m also a bit of a fiend for crisp white walls with matte black window frames, door frames, and door hardware as it creates a really modern, glamorous backdrop for softer elements and brighter colors. Black and white is also always a fun combo to see in a ceramic tile, kitchen countertop, or area rug,’’ said Murray.

Sometimes design can become complicated, but other times it really is as simple as black and white, according to McClendon. And don’t be afraid that black will bring you down.

“I would say black is bold and dramatic, but never dreary. How it’s perceived does depend on how you use it though,’’ McClendon said. “If you like your spaces to feel fresh and airy, then refrain from painting your walls black. You can keep your walls white and utilize black on furniture, smaller accessories, and/or art. If you want your space to feel cozy, paint the walls black and balance it out with lighter furniture and even some bright pops of color to help keep it from feeling dreary.”

Florals

The easiest way to showcase this trend is to keep fresh-cut flowers from your garden throughout the house. But for those wanting something a bit more permanent, that doesn’t require continual maintenance, Murray suggested wallpaper.

“A wallpapered accent wall is the perfect place to introduce a floral pattern in a measured, albeit compelling, way that doesn’t overtake the room.”

McClendon is a bit more adventurous. “Florals can be used anywhere. My favorite places are on wallpaper and drapery. They make a bold statement here, instantly elevating a space. If it’s scary to commit to an entire wall, then opt for art. There is some amazing moody floral art out there right now.”

Velvet may be a material more associated with 1918 than 2018, but today’s version is softer, more colorful and even luxurious. In fact, millennials, not grandmothers,are embracing the material with open arms.

Companies such as Urban Outfitters, West Elm and Anthropologie offer everything from a Mina Velvet sofa, $849, to a ruby red velvet lips throw pillow, $39.

“Since velvet is such a glamorous way to add texture to a space, I’m never one to shy away from it. Like a black and white combo, it’s all about intention and moderation — overdo it and it looks more outdated than it does modern and chic. I think velvet makes a great material for a sofa, accent chair, or throw pillow,’’ Murray said.

McClendon couldn’t agree more. “I love velvet. It’s probably my favorite texture and I use it all the time. It’s soft, luxurious, and so inviting. It’s great on sofas, chairs or pillows. I use it on anything that is made with comfort in mind.”

Suzanne Sproul is a lucky wife and proud mom of two great daughters. She’s a transplanted Snow Bird from Chicago who prefers warm climates, particularly central Florida and its beautiful Gulf Coast and Southern California, where she’s lived most of her life. The University of Florida J-school graduate has been a city reporter and features editor, but has spent the past 27 fun years covering stories she loves -- features about SoCal’s diverse and trendy homes+gardens and eclectic arts/entertainment along with her weekly column about the good people of the Inland Empire. When she’s not filing stories, you can find her gardening at home, biking with her husband, jumping around in Zumba class, organizing family adventures – digging for hanksite clusters at the Gem-o-Rama in Trona, anyone? – or rooting for favored sports teams. I’m looking at you USC Trojans, University of California Davis Aggies, University of Florida Gators and those loveable Chicago Cubs, World Champions 2016. Life really is good!

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